Baking and cooking, then taking it to neighbors. You can spend a few minutes at each place, it doesn’t have to be long visits. (Have your favorite music blaring while you bake and in your vehicle on the way to and from your neighbors)This person says, ‘Skip the pity invites’ I’m not sure people are pitying you, but her point was that someone else’s family drama might make you miss your friends or family more.
Pampering Day; run a tub, wrap your hair in a towel and give yourself a facial, manicure or pedicure (Have your favorite music blaring in the back)
Go ice skating at the local rink. (Make sure your blast music on the way to and from the rink, you get to endure whatever music is on at the rink, but it’s usually part of the experience no matter how corny)
Find photos to send to friends online and wish them a Merry Christmas. (Keep music blaring in your house)
Go hiking in the woods with your dog (You could even put a walkman on)
Do something you have always wanted to do; paint, write, make music, pick up a guitar, find an online lesson on youtube and learn a few chords
Get out and do some charity work. You can call your local animal shelters, churches and homeless centers
Change the lighting in your home. Buy candles, a new lamp for the living room, something to make you feel like the mood has changed.
Explore a new genre of music. if you are used to Rock, why not try Classical, Piano music, soundtrack or acoustic guitar instrumental?
See if your local church is holding a service. Even if you aren’t a believer, there is usually some good people gathering and some good music or food. Someone online said she was asking friends for coats and collecting them to take to her shelter.
Rent a movie that is not Christmas related. Someone recommended ‘Die Hard’. Hahaha!
See if anyone is planning an online chat or Skype group.
Sleep in and don’t feel guilty. Get up early and go walking and go back to bed if you want. Give yourself permission to enjoy the day or waste the day.
Dress up your pets in Christmas garments or tinsel, take photos of them and send them to your friends.
Plan a dinner for friends that doesn’t happen until after Christmas, but spend Christmas preparing for it. Make them scrap books with pictures or make presents that are really connected to their individual interests. Christmas doesn’t have to happen on Christmas Day.
Create an extended family by recognizing who you want to be with, not who was forced on you. Start calling your friends Sis, Brother, Ma, Pa etc.
Someone mentioned medicating himself for the few days around Christmas to avoid it altogether. I think it’s good to look at the Holidays as days on the calendar and are just as important in your life. Just because someone decided to make traditions, doesn’t mean you have to follow them.
This one person on a forum said,
“Folks who feel bad about being solo this holiday, I can tell you there are more than afew families living true drama and not having fun this holiday. Please just think of some fun or relaxing activities for today! Remember, being alone is an art! If we can learn to enjoy our own company, take on new hobbies/skills and just deal with a day or two without NOISE, I find that art will become life form. Have a wonderful day and don't wish it away, learn from it.”
I hope whatever you decide to do, please keep in mind that the most important thing is these days are YOUR days just like the rest of the year. We are blessed to have every single moment we are given.
Much love on you!
Karen :)
“My mother was a professional sick person; she took a lot of pain pills. There are many people like that. It's just how they are used to getting attention. I always remember she's the daughter of alcoholics who'd leave her alone at Christmas time.” ~Jim Carrey
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